Clinically relevant information on D phenotypes can be summarized in Table 3.
Table 3. Clinical Relevance of D Phenotypes.D phenotype | D antigen expression | Rh(D) typing | Produce anti-D | RBCs to transfuse | RhIG recommended** |
D+ | Normal | DAT | No | D+ or D- | No |
Weak D | Normal but weak | IAT | No | D+ or D- | No |
Partial D | Altered | DAT* & IAT | Yes | D- | Yes |
Partial weak D | Altered & variable | DAT* & IAT | Yes | D- | Yes |
D- | None | IAT | Yes | D- | Yes |
*Depending on anti-D reagent used
**USA, UK, and parts of Canada